Bird Of Prayer Poem by Alven L. Robinson

Black bird of prayer upon the sand
half buried in twilight
half free to roam eternity
on streams of wingless flight.

Your tattered wings of life
swept ashore before the calm
found its way into your soul
and the verses of your song.

Once carried by the winds
of trade and fortune's trance
now ravaged by the tides
born beyond horizon's glance.

Your glazing eye is fixed
upon the outstretched hand
that lifts you from the shore
toward the promised land.

Yet, you knew your time was nigh
to fly alone or fly ahead
while the flock upon the cliff
seemed frozen in their dread.

Why wait until the dawn
to brave the carnage of the storm
when the edge of the abyss
beckons all to be reborn?

Gracious even in departure
you pause to say goodby
with an image to the heart
of one who seeks to try.

Your farewell is in the calling
for those who still remain
enchanted by the message
echoing your last refrain.